A Christmas Eve bid to set a woman ablaze after a clash at a sports club was yesterday being probed by police.

A woman threw what is believed to have been gasoline over another woman and tried to set her on fire with a lighter after an argument at Southampton Rangers Sports Club.

But her attempt to burn her victim was unsuccessful and a brawl broke out, which was ended after others stepped in.

Executives at the club — which has been hit by antisocial behaviour and violence — met last night to discuss the latest incident.

Jason Wade, the club’s president, told The Royal Gazette: “This was indeed a very unfortunate incident that occurred in the public road outside the club once the event had ended.

“Our security that were on duty must be commended as they left their post inside the club grounds to deal with this incident.

“The club has been fully cooperative in assisting authorities with this matter and the offender has been banned from the premises.

“With all of the positive community events that the club has been hosting the Southampton Rangers Community will not let the actions of this individual deter us from the goals the club has set.

“The Southampton Rangers Club will be hosting a community Chat and Chew in January where the community can collectively come together to give ideas and assistance to make the club a better community club for all.”

Earlier this yearm, Mr Wade urged the Government to maintain “constant involvement with the clubs”, rather than responding after incidents.

Other football clubs have also become unwilling magnets for violence and troublemakers.

Southampton East MP Zane DeSilva, also Minister of Social Development and Sport, last night said: “We are trying to get Rangers and the community to do more together — and they are.

“Unfortunately, there are some in the community who make this a challenge — but we will keep battling.”

Mr DeSilva last year called for government financial assistance to help reduce the club’s reliance on alcohol sales.

He added that Rangers faced extra pressure as the only club to pay rent for its field.

Mr DeSilva told the House of Assembly at the time: “It is no secret that one of the biggest revenue generators in our clubs is the sale of alcohol.”

Patrons at the club on Tuesday afternoon reported a number of armed police in the area.

But The Royal Gazette understands that the presence of the firearms officers was not linked to a specific event.